Army deployment remark was only figurative, says DUCSU election chief
PARBATTA NEWS DESK
The Chief Returning Officer for the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and hall union elections has said there is no security concern surrounding the polls.
Professor Mohammad Jasim Uddin told a national daily that earlier references to deploying the army as a striking force were not meant literally.
“That was just words — said for the sake of saying,” he said in an interview published by the Prothom Alo on 8 September.
Professor Jasim Uddin explained that the army is already present in the field, and it was mentioned only as a reassurance to students. “If the situation went out of our control, then we could call them in. But there has been no communication with the army on this matter, nor have we informed the administration,” he said.
According to him, police, Ansar and other security forces are sufficient. He added that these forces have also been instructed to remain outside the university boundary.
“Inside, the BNCC, Rover Scouts, proctorial body, teachers, and the election commission are enough,” he said. “Without the teachers, the students will not engage in clashes.”
The election chief noted that students had raised two concerns. The first was that voting should take place outside the halls, which the authorities accepted. “Arrangements have been made so that students can vote smoothly,” he said.
The second concern was about voting hours. Students requested that the eight-hour voting period, from 8am to 4pm, be strictly maintained.
“Even if someone is in the polling premises at 4pm, we will ensure their right to vote, even if it continues until 5pm,” he said.
On security, Professor Jasim Uddin outlined a three-layer system. The BNCC, Rover and Rangers will be responsible for voter line management and remain inside polling centres as the first layer of defence.
The proctorial body will serve as the second layer, and teachers will be the third. “Beyond this, no additional security should be necessary,” he said.
Police will also be present during the polls. However, the election chief said they should not be used against students.
“If we simply tell them, ‘This is your vote, calm down,’ then there will be no need for police intervention,” he said.
